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New applications for unemployment benefits declined for a second straight week after rising in the previous three. Retailers reported surprisingly strong sales in August. And more people signed contracts to buy homes.

Economists were mildly encouraged by the news, which followed several downbeat reports on housing and weaker economic growth last week. But few saw signs that the economy is gaining momentum.

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Second Gulf spill puts moratorium back in question

NEW YORK (AP) â¿¿ Just when America's ban on offshore exploration seemed like it might end, another disaster in the Gulf of Mexico put Big Oil back on the defensive.

An offshore production platform owned by Mariner Energy Inc. caught fire Thursday morning about 200 miles west of BP's blown-out well. The incident raised more doubts in Congress about the risks of offshore drilling.

The Obama administration had been mulling a quick end to its drilling moratorium, now that BP has brought its leaking well under control. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the Mariner explosion shouldn't affect a decision on the ban, and he would not link it with BP's well.

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